9 Money Saving Tips while Abroad

Travelling overseas doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. With a bit of strategy, you can explore the world without constant money worries — and often have a richer, more authentic experience in the process. From booking smarter to eating where locals do, here’s how to stretch your travel budget without feeling like you’re missing out.

1. Travel cleverly

If you’re flexible with timing, look for mid-week flights or shoulder seasons when prices dip and crowds thin. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare fares — but once you’ve found a good deal, book directly through the airline. It makes rebooking much easier if plans change.

For longer journeys, think creatively about transport. Night trains or ferries can be a hidden gem: they combine travel and accommodation in one, saving both time and money. Instead of losing a day to travel, you’ll wake up in your next destination, ready to explore.

2. Choose your base wisely

It’s tempting to stay far from the city centre for cheaper rates, but those savings can disappear fast once you factor in transport costs and time. A well-located guesthouse, small apartment, or boutique stay can save hours of commuting — and you’ll often find better value outside the major hotel chains.

When searching, compare across multiple platforms. Different booking sites sometimes list different rates or include perks like breakfast or free cancellation. Spending an extra 20 minutes comparing can save a surprising amount.

3. Eat Smart: Local Flavours and Home Comforts

Where you eat can make or break your budget. Restaurants in main squares or right next to major attractions often charge more for the tourist trade, while a few streets away you’ll usually find more authentic meals at half the price. Ask your hotel staff or a local shopkeeper where they like to eat on their lunch break — their recommendations often lead to the best, cheapest spots. Keeping a small travel notebook with local food tips can help you plan ahead.

If your accommodation offers a free breakfast, make the most of it. A hearty, late breakfast — especially buffet spreads common in Europe — can sometimes double as lunch. If breakfast isn’t included or costs extra, consider joining locals at a nearby café for coffee and a pastry.

Cooking at your accommodation is another simple way to save money. Even just having access to a kitchen, kitchenette, or microwave allows you to prepare easy meals instead of eating out every time. A rotisserie chicken with a bag of salad or coleslaw makes an effortless meal, and a loaf of bread can turn any leftovers into sandwiches for the next day. Pre-packaged pasta salads, canned beans, fruit, and yogurt also work well. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef — the goal is to fill up without overspending.

Another strategy is to combine meals at home with dining out. For example, if you’ve had a big breakfast, afternoon cheese and crackers from a local deli might be enough before heading out for a light dinner. Sharing an entrée, ordering a side salad, choosing tap water instead of bottled drinks, or opting for house wine can help you enjoy local cuisine without stretching your budget. Many countries also offer early-bird specials or set menus, sometimes called “blue plate” deals, which allow you to dine well at a fraction of the usual price. This approach lets you experience local flavours, soak up the atmosphere, and still save money.

4. Make the most of movement

Taxis and rideshares can eat into your budget quickly. Public transport is nearly always cheaper and gives you a better feel for a city’s rhythm. Many cities offer multi-day travel cards that provide unlimited bus, tram, or metro rides for a set fee — a great deal if you plan to explore widely.

When possible, walk. You’ll stumble across markets, parks, and viewpoints that aren’t in guidebooks — and it’s free.

5. Money management abroad

Be strategic with your cards and cash. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before you leave — some charge for every purchase or withdrawal overseas. If that’s the case, look into a travel debit or multi-currency card with lower or no fees.

Avoid exchanging large amounts of cash at airports or hotels; their rates are rarely favourable. Instead, use local ATMs as needed — but don’t withdraw small amounts too often, since each transaction may come with a fee. Choose to be charged in the local currency, not your home one, to avoid extra conversion costs.

Where possible try not to end your trip with wads of leftover currency — it’s frustrating to carry money you’ll never use again.

6. Smart sightseeing

Before you head out, research free or low-cost attractions — you may find museums with free entry days, city walking tours, local festivals, or public parks worth just as much as the paid experiences.

If you’re a student, senior, or travelling with family, don’t be shy about asking for discounts. Many attractions quietly offer reduced rates for these groups.

Tour groups can be convenient, but they often charge extra for transport or time you don’t really need. Try visiting sites independently using local transport — you’ll save money and can set your own pace.

7. Stay connected for less

International roaming plans can be surprisingly expensive, so it’s worth looking at alternatives before you leave. One option is a local SIM card, which you can usually buy at the airport, a local mobile store, or sometimes online in advance. It gives you a local number and data plan, often at a fraction of the cost of roaming. Another increasingly popular choice is an eSIM. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM is built into your phone and can be activated digitally. A simple way to check if your phone can accomodate an eSIM is to Google your exact phone model + “eSIM support” (for example, “iPhone 13 eSIM”). You can purchase a data plan from many providers online, receive a QR code, and activate it without swapping any cards. This is especially handy if you want to keep your home SIM active for calls or messages, or if you’re travelling to multiple countries and need different plans.

Free Wi-Fi is easy to find in cafés, hotels, and airports, but always be cautious on public networks if you’re handling banking or making bookings.

8. Track your travel budget

It’s easy to lose track of spending when prices are in another currency. A simple budgeting app (like Trail Wallet or TrabeePocket) helps you stay aware of where your money’s going. Even noting expenses in your phone’s notes app can make you think twice before splurging unnecessarily.

9. Insurance isn’t optional

While it feels like an upfront cost, travel insurance can prevent a financial nightmare. Medical emergencies, cancelled flights, or lost luggage can all cost thousands. A good policy means you can relax, knowing unexpected hiccups won’t blow your budget entirely.

Travel smart, not tight

Saving money abroad isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about being thoughtful. The more you plan, walk, and eat where locals eat, the more genuine your travel experience becomes. You’ll come home not only with great memories but also with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve travelled well — and wisely.